Public sites across Greater Bendigo will undertake a smoking and vape-free trial until the end of June.
The Victorian Government has already introduced legislated smoke-free areas in play spaces, skate parks and sporting venues.
Community Connections Officer at Greater Bendigo Council, Kristy Bennett, tells the Wake Up Call that children told the city they want smoking and vaping banned in more public spaces.
The trial involves placing signage at the trial locations to inform them of the trial and to raise awareness that some areas are already smoke and vape-free zones.
Bennet says the trials aim to determine if the wider community supports more smoke and vape-free locations across Greater Bendigo.
Members of the community are invited to have their say by completing a short survey on the City’s Let’s Talk website at https://letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/vaping-and-smoking-greater-bendigo until Friday, June 28, 2024.
Bennet says that if the trial is successful, further consultation will be undertaken before any formal changes are made. The City will only make more sites smoke and vape-free if the community supports it.
The consultation is being undertaken with a funding grant from VicHealth and in partnership with Bendigo Community Health Service, Bendigo Health, Heathcote Health, Department of Education and Sports Focus.
